Thesis-1994-Zachos.pdf (7.55 MB)
Greek university libraries in the European context: a comparative evaluation
thesis
posted on 2014-08-21, 15:11 authored by Georgios ZachosThe aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive examination of university
libraries in Greece seen in the European context. To this end, the thesis:
i. discusses the context in which Greek university libraries have
developed and the challenges they face;
ii. examines the factors that affect their operation and development;
iii. assesses their role in university education in supporting the
informational, educational and research needs of the academic community;
iv. compares their position with similar libraries in other member states
of the European Union and in Scandinavia;
v. suggests actions needed in order that university libraries in Greece
should develop further and play their role better.
In this study a standard model for university libraries is developed and
performance indicators and methodologies which are proper for this model are
used. University libraries are examined as open, dynamic, multi-goal seeking
and purposeful systems. They consist of resources which are transformed into
outputs for the benefit of their users. Inputs, outputs and outcomes can be
measured in a greater or less accuracy but measurement itself is meaningful
only if it is placed in some kind of context. University libraries operate within a
given environment. They receive their inputs from this environment, and their
outputs are used by people or other systems in the environment. They are also
constrained by factors in this environment such as the social, economic,
educational, technological, etc. In this study not only the performance
indicators themselves but also the relationships between them that are
indicative of performance were analysed.
The main findings of the study are related to the environment within which
Greek University Libraries operate, the organisational structures, and
administrative practices applied, issues concerning staff and the way they
affect library development, the provision of library material, the organisation of
technical services, and the reader services that are provided. Library
performance is assessed in a number of ways. The indicators produced and
comparisons with the state of development of university libraries in other
European countries show that Greek University libraries fall behind them in
terms of almost all indicators used. It appears that Greek University libraries
are weak in meeting the needs of their users in both education and research.
History
School
- Science
Department
- Information Science
Publisher
© Georgios ZachosPublication date
1994Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.EThOS Persistent ID
uk.bl.ethos.262230Language
- en